Iowa411 News Brief

Iowa House Higher Ed chair raises vague “security concerns” over Drake’s routine academic partnerships

The chair of the Iowa House Higher Education Committee is demanding records from Drake University about its academic partnerships with several Chinese universities, citing unspecified national security concerns.

Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, sent a letter Sunday to Drake University President Earl “Marty” Martin requesting detailed information about Drake’s agreements with four Chinese institutions: Minzu University of China, Qingdao University, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, and the University of International Business and Economics.

Most of the agreements referenced in the letter are non-binding memorandums of understanding (MOU), common agreements universities use to facilitate student exchanges, arrange joint courses, and establish collaborative academic programs.

Collins’ letter also points to a cooperative program between Drake and Qingdao University that could generate approximately $12.5 million in tuition revenue between 2024 and 2031. According to Drake officials, that figure represents projected tuition payments from students enrolled in the joint program, which focuses on data analytics and biology.

In the letter, Collins wrote that the funding raises “serious national security concerns,” but he did not cite any specific incidents or evidence related to the Drake programs in question.

The request comes as the Iowa Legislature considers House File 2513, legislation that would prohibit Iowa colleges and universities from employing H-1B visa holders from countries designated by the federal government as foreign adversaries, including China.

If enacted, the measure would apply to both public and private universities and could take effect in July 2026. Drake University did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the letter.

Our Take

Universities routinely maintain international academic partnerships to expand research collaboration, offer joint degrees, and provide students with global learning opportunities. Memorandums of understanding like those cited in the letter are common across American higher education.

In this case, the lawmaker’s letter raises broad national security concerns but does not identify any specific misconduct, violations, or risks tied to Drake’s programs. Without such evidence, critics say the request appears less focused on education policy and more aligned with a broader political trend of scrutinizing academic ties with China.

International programs also carry financial implications for universities. Tuition from international students and cooperative degree programs often supports faculty positions, research activity, and academic offerings that benefit domestic students.

As Iowa lawmakers debate restrictions on international partnerships and visa employment, the state’s universities may find themselves balancing political pressure with the realities of operating in a global academic environment.